I Can chief executive Virginia Beardshaw will step down

Beardshaw has led the children's communication charity for 10 years and is expected to depart in the autumn

Virginia Beardshaw

Virginia Beardshaw, chief executive of the children’s communication charity I Can, is to step down from the role to spend more time with her family.

A spokeswoman for the charity said that Beardshaw, who has been in the role for 10 years, has three children with learning disabilities and wants to be able to devote more time to them.

Her leaving date has not yet been agreed but it is expected that she will stand down in the autumn once her successor has been appointed.

Beardshaw, who was appointed CBE in the most recent New Year Honours, said that after 10 years in the role the time was right for her to pass the baton.

Elizabeth Vallance, chair of I Can, said that Beardshaw had taken the charity, which was established in 1888, into the modern era.

"There remains much to be done to support children with speech, language and communication needs and their families, but Virginia will be able to step down knowing that she is leaving a substantial legacy upon which her successor can build," she said.